Niles 12-6-12 by Bugle, Sentinel & Enterprise Newspapers

INSIDE

SPORTS Dons fall at home to Morgan Park Page 11

NEWS Niles Library makes final payment on $5 million debt

Page 3

Our Village, Our News

www.nilesbugle.com

DECEMBER 6, 2012

Vol. 57 No. 9

Restaurants look to allow teen servers Niles Board votes down ordnance allowing teens to serve alcohol By Alex V. Hernandez Staff Reporter

Most Niles Village Board members on Nov. 27 opposed the idea of allowing restaurant employees between the ages of 18 to 20 years old who are servers in restaurants to serve alcohol. Katie Schneider, executive director of the Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said at the Nov. 27 meeting that the idea came from Tony Riggio, owner of Riggioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant. He said in his letter that it is difficult to hire part-time staff because they cannot serve alcohol. He said the

village should follow the model of restaurants in surrounding villages that allow servers as young as 18 years old to serve alcohol. Schneider said due to the recession, it is hard to hire older servers because they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t earn enough to support a family while working there. Restaurants have been trying to hire employees who can afford to earn only a part-time or supplemental income. College students would be the demographic targeted to be hired if the ordinance to allow 18-year-olds to serve alcohol is MultiAd, Inc.

See TEEN SERVERS, page 3

Currently, the village of Niles requires anyone serving alcohol in a restaurant to be over the age of 21.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

News

Boomer mascot Coop visits Advocate Childrens Hospital By Alex V. Hernandez Staff Reporter

Coop the Boomer, official ambassador of the Schaumburg Boomers Baseball Team, visited Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge Nov. 26. The baseball team’s mascot was there to spread some holiday cheer and bring Boomers’ gifts to area children in honor of the holiday season. Coop and a member of the team’s front office staff stopped by to visit patients in

the children’s hospital, pose for pictures and deliver presents. “The holidays are Coop’s second favorite time of year (besides baseball season, of course), because he loves putting smiles on faces,” Boomers President/General Manager Andy Viano said about his team’s mascot. “It’s a tremendous privilege to be the Northwest Suburbs’ premier professional baseball team, and we’re committed to doing our part to pay back the local community that keeps our

team going.” He also said there’s no better sight to see than Coop’s first steps into a room when all of the eyes inside light up. “It’s something our entire family is proud to be a part of this holiday season,” said Viano. This is the Coop’s first Christmas as mascot for the Schaumburg Boomers, and the Nov. 26 visit was his first of several hospital visits this holiday season. ahernandez@buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

TEEN SERVERS Continued from page 1 passed. Riggio’s has been in business in Niles for 60 years, and the owner apologized that a schedule conflict prevented him from appearing in person at the meeting. Schneider also said Amici Ristorante and Chambers Seafood Grill and Chop House also publically supported allowing 18-year-olds to serve alcohol While Illinois law states that no one under 21 may consume alcohol, Niles Village Attorney Joseph Annunzio said that Riggio was correct in noting that many towns in the state do permit servers as young as 18 years old to serve drinks from the bartender to patron’s tables. “All of these three restaurants have been in business for decades, and they’re reputable,” she observed. “They’re asking to open up their pool of (potential) employees.” Trustee Rosemary Palicki said teen drinking is a serious problem and was not enthusiastic about allowing servers that young to serve alcohol. Trustee Louella Preston also said that she was concerned about the lack of factual material she had on hand and would like to have more on this issue before she voted either way on the issue. Trustees Chris Hanusiak, Rosemary Palicki and Louella Preston voted no to change the ordinance to permit 18-year-old servers;Trustees Joe LoVerde and Jim Hynes voted yes, and Trustee Andrew Przybylo abstained, as he is a liquor license holder. a h e r n a n d e z @ buglenewspapers.com

Niles Library makes final payment on $5 million debt By Alex V. Hernandez Staff Reporter

The Niles Public Library made its final early payment on the debt of a $5,160,000 original bond issue Dec. 1. “It’s important we pay off the debt from our last building rehab before starting on a new one,” said Library Trustee Morgan Dubiel. “It was a very hard fight to get people to realize that you could pay off the debt and still do the new rehab scheduled to begin in January 2013.” The board initially rejected Dubiel’s proposal to use $2,814,500 from the library’s $12 million in reserves to pay off remaining debt on a past library building project. It wasn’t until this past September that the library’s board of trustees voted 5-2 in favor of paying off the debt after Dubiel had finally convinced enough board members that it

was a financially sound plan. The bonds are paid off by taxpayers in a separate special tax levy on the library tax bill over and above the standard levy. Dubiel said paying off the debt early would equal $30 to $50 in immediate tax relief for each homeowner, or $2.3 million overall. Previously, Library Board President Barbara Nakanishi had said she was not convinced this was the right time to pay off long-standing debt obligations early. “According to Mr. Dubiel’s calculations, paying off the bonds early would result in returning an estimated mere $30 to each homeowner, and many people in our community are renters that would never realize a penny,” said Nakanishi publically over the summer.“It might be more prudent to instead refinance the bonds at the lower rates that are available, and hold

onto the much larger amount those tax dollars add up to.” This is because property tax payments, disbursed twice annually from Cook County to taxing bodies such as the library, have been months late in the past. Because of this, many local taxing bodies say robust reserves are essential to draw on while waiting for county tax revenue. However now that the debt has been paid off early, Dubiel said he is looking for additional ways to put more money in people’s pockets. “The Library continues to levy more tax money than it needs,” he said. “The construction project is fully funded. Our general fund has more than 12 months of reserves, and we have Special Funds that have up to nine years of funding in them. That’s too much money, and it sits collecting less than a tenth of a percent in interest. People need relief now.”

Vinezeano to be named acting village manager Niles Mayor Robert Callero will appoint Steven C. Vinezeano to the post of Acting Village Manager at the Niles Board meeting on December 11, 2012. Vinezeano, a veteran of the U.S. Army, joined Niles in 2000 and has served as the assistant village manager for the last 10 years. Steve holds a masters degree in public administration

from Southern Illinois University and has been actively involved in storm water, environmental and planning initiatives within the village. Vinezeano’s appointment follows the announcement that the current Village Manager, George Van Geem, has resigned to become the director of finance in Skokie. Callero also announced

the formation of a search committee to recruit a permanent replacement for Van Geem. The search committee will be comprised of Callero and the two village trustees with the longest tenure, Louella Preston and Andrew Przybylo. It is anticipated that a search firm will be retained to identify potential candidates for the position.

Dubiel said the library district has five “Special Funds” with an average of 5.38 years of funding in them. One fund, “Liability Insurance,” as reported by the Library’s auditor, has 9.3 years of funding. “The exciting thing is that we’ve proven that you can both improve services and keep taxes low,” Dubiel said. “All the doubters raised every fear imaginable about how it couldn’t be done. We had our own mini ‘fiscal cliff,’ and here we are at the other side of it still in great financial shape.” The new goal is to reduce the levy by $500,000 to $1 million and revisit the issue annually as the levy is set. Additionally at the November board meeting, the rehab contractors the library hired to work on the project presented a budget that is $313,000 less than expected. ahernandez@buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Morton Grove, Niles, and Park Ridge Police Departments. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.

Niles Edgar Martinez, 23, of 1710 W. Albion, Chicago, was arrested at 7:42 p.m. Nov. 23 in the 7600 block of Oakton and charged with not having a valid driver’s license. Megan J. Gluchman, 21, of 1415 S. Crescent, Park Ridge, was arrested at 8:41 p.m. Nov. 23 at Golf Mill Center and charged with theft and possession of cannabis. Stephanie Parker, 30, of 7920 Caldwell, Niles, was arrested at 1:03 p.m.Nov.24 at Caldwell and Jarvis and charged with driving on a suspended license. Daniel S. Erickson, 27, of 9662 Golf, Des Plaines, was arrested at 8:07 p.m. Nov. 24 in the 8500 block of Golf Road and charged with retail theft. Javier Gabriel-Castro, 31, of 8287 Elizabeth, Niles, was arrested at 2:45 p.m. Nov. 25 at Dempster and Greenwood and charged with having no valid drivers’ license. Gheorghe Sas, 31, of 6034 N. Drake, Chicago, was arrested at 11:48 p.m. Nov. 25 at Milwaukee and Birchwood and charged with DUI. Delgermurun Butemj, 28, of 1263 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, was arrested at 12:16 a.m. Nov. 25 in the 8000 block of Cumberland and charged with having no valid driver’s license.

Police Blotter

Kimberly R. Kopoulos, 55, of 21816 2nd St., Lake Villa, was arrested at 7:01 p.m. Nov. 25 in the 8300 block of Oak and charged with DUI. Edinson R. Noriega, 46, of 9285 Courtland, Niles, was arrested 11:50 p.m. Nov. 21 in the 9200 block of Courtland for domestic battery. Kamil Gajdek, 24, of 5429 W. School, Chicago, was arrested at 3:35 p.m. Nov. 21 in the 7000 block of Touhy (Police Department) on an outstanding warrant for possession of alcohol by a minor. Tomasz Wieskaw, 47, of 6307 W. Newport, Chicago, was arrested at 12:44 p.m. Nov. 21 in the 7000 block of Touhy (Police Department) for having no valid driver’s license, failure to wear a seatbelt and failure to have valid insurance. David Corona, 38, of 6558 S. Kilpatrick, Chicago, was arrested at 3 a.m. Nov. 22 in the 6800 block of Milwaukee and charged with having no valid driver’s license. Javierm Hernandez-Vargas, 31, of 9427 Dee Road, Des Plaines, was arrested at 4 a.m. Nov. 22 in the 7000 block of West Touhy (Police Department) and charged with having no valid driver’s license. Adimabua Ukesone, 46, of 6506 N. Seeley, Chicago, was arrested at 2:19 a.m. Nov. 22 in the 8800 block of Milwaukee and charged with battery. Arturo Salazar-Guerrero, 22, of 8262 Elizabeth, Niles, was arrested at 2:31 a.m. Nov. 28 in the 8200 block of Elizabeth and charged with domestic battery. Mario R. Lane, 32, of 7334 N. Ridge, Chicago, was arrested at 5:48 p.m. Nov. 29 in the 6900 block of Touhy and charged

with driving on a suspended license. Garrett M. Willimas, 28, of 1627 N. Merrimac, Chicago, was arrested at 9:15 a.m. Nov. 27 in the 5600 block of Touhy and charged with theft. Igors Dolgovs, 28, and Martins Osins, 25, both of 880 S. Plum Grove, Palatine, were arrested at 4:38 p.m. Nov. 25 in the 7200 block of Dempster and charged with identity theft.

Park Ridge Frank Jozefczak, 43, of the 5500 block of North Odell, Chicago, was arrested at 6:36 a.m. Nov. 27 in the 1400 block of North Dee and charged with DUI/Improper Lane Usage/No Valid Insurance/Failure to Give Info After a Crash/Damage to City Property. A 14-year-old Park Ridge boy was faces a juvenile petition for theft after being arrested at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 27 in the 200 block of South Vine. Sureshbhai Patel, 42, of the 6100 block of North Talman Chicago, was arrested at 5 p.m. Nov. 28 in the 900 block of West Talcott and charged with Prohibited Sale of Tobacco. Sam Park, 25, of the 4300 block of Bluebird Court, Gurnee, was arrested at 3:11 a.m. Nov. 29 at Dee and Higgins for Use of Unsafe Tires/DUI/B.A.C. Over .08/No Valid Insurance. Joseph Labree, 25, of the 6600 block of North Northwest Highway, Chicago, was arrested at 8:55 a.m. November 29 in the 2300 block of Sibley and charged with DWLS/Driving With Expired Plates. Francisco Torres, 30, of the 700 block of Perrie Drive, Elk

Grove Village, was arrested at 2:11 p.m. Nov. 29 in the 1000 block of North Northwest Highway and charged with DWLS/NoValid Insurance/Open Alcohol/Expired Registration/ Disobeying Traffic Control Device. Two Park Ridge males ages 14, and those ages 15 and 16, and a 17-year-old Chicago male were arrested at 11:29 p.m. November 22 in the 0-100 block of North Summit for a curfew violation. Jonathan Schmidt, 19, of the 8100 block of Keystone Avenue, Skokie, was arrested at 12:27 a.m. Dec. 3 in the 1900 block of West Oakton and charged with Improper Lane Usage/DUI/No Valid Insurance.

Morton Grove Javier Sanchez, 40, of Chicago, was stopped Nov. 25 for traffic violations and was found to be driving without being issued a license. Juan Ramon Gonzalez, 20, of Chicago, was arrested Nov. 21 and charged with having no valid driver’s license. Jesus Tirade-Jacobo, 24, of Skokie was stopped for traffic violations Nov. 28 and found to be driving without being issued a license. Natalie Lamza, 25, of Highland Park, was Subject was stopped for traffic violations Nov. 28 and found to be driving with a suspended driver’s license. Dominique DeLeon, 20, of Skokie, was stopped for traffic violations Nov. 30 and was found to be driving with a suspended driver’s license.

Ezem Matezic, 51, of Niles, was stopped for traffic violations Nov. 21 and found to be driving with a suspended driver’s license. Mariusz Ruda, 21, of Niles, was stopped for traffic violations Nov. 22 and found to be driving with a suspended DL. Higinio Lozada, 42, of Des Plaines, was stopped for traffic violations Nov. 25 and found to be driving without being issued a license. Erin Papavangjeli, 21, of Chicago, was stopped for traffic violations Nov. 24 and found to be driving with a suspended driver’s license. Cathy Vala, 38, of Skokie, was stopped for traffic violations Nov. 24 and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Reyna Garcia, 29, of Franklin Park, was stopped for traffic violations Nov. 24 and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Ramdra Norwood, 35 of Oak Park, was charged with retail theft Nov. 26 after ringing up only five out of a customer’s 41 items. Peter Snovicky, 42, of Bolingbrook, was arrested for retail theft Nov. 20 after police said he concealed several items before leaving the store without paying for them. Christopher Uhrik, 19, of Morton Grove, was arrested Nov. 25 for possession of a hypodermic syringe after he was found passed out in his vehicle. Darvell Bea, 28, of Chicago, was arrested Nov. 28 on disorderly conduct charges for causing a disturbance on the train. He later was turned over to Metra Police.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

Man found dead in Evanston teen shot, killed California identified as Niles resident By Alex V. Hernandez Staff Reporter

By Alex V. Hernandez Staff Reporter

A man from the Niles community was buried Dec. 1 in Niles after his body was found by California park rangers. Edward J. Slepowronski, 33, was found by California park rangers at the Joshua Tree National Park in Riverside County in southern California on Nov. 24. Riverside County Coroner’s Office deputies that found Slepowronski, at a location named Ocotillo Patch on Park Route 11 in the Pinto Basin area of the national park, said they could find no signs of suspicious circumstances related to his death. Niles police also said that

on Nov. 12 Slepowronski was reported missing by his mother reported and that once the investigation started that the police department stayed in contact with Slepowronski’s family as they tracked his journey westward via his credit card history. Slepowronski’s mother reportedly told police that her son enjoyed visiting the West coast on a whim before. While the body has been identified and now buried in Niles, The Riverside County coroner’s office will not have a cause of death until their toxicology tests are completed in five to six weeks. ahernandez@buglenewspapers.com

On Nov. 29 a 19-year-old from Evanston was shot and killed on the 1800 block of Brown Avenue. This is the latest in a year of gang-related violence that has seen Chicago’s violent crimes spike. Police responded to a multiple calls of gunshots fired around 6:15 p.m. When the police officers arrived they found 19-year-old Justin Murray, a 2011 Evanston High School graduate. Murray had been living in San Diego since August of this year and had arrived in Chicago

on Dec. 29. When he was shot, he was reportedly hanging out with his with friends on the 1800-block of Brown Avenue. Murray’s mother, Carolyn Murray, was blocks away from the shooting and was organizing a gun buyback program when her son was fatally shot. “It’s hard to be on this side. I wish this on no one,” said Carolyn Murray. Evanston police say no arrests have been made in Murray’s murder, but their investigation has uncovered Murray was shot twice while “two offenders” were watching from a nearby walkway. At the time of the shooting, Murray was in a

crowd with other people, so Evanston police are still trying to determine whether he was the intended target. After the shooting, Murray was transported to Evanston/ North Shore University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. On Dec.1 Murray and the community came together to march the streets of Evanston saying they hope their march will leave a positive impact on the community in the wake of the shooting. Evanston’s gun buyback program is scheduled to take place Dec. 15. ahernandez@buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

ONGOING 9 Annual Community Food Drive. The Village of Niles & Niles Fire Department announce the official kickoff to the 9th annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve/Village of Niles Toys for Tots Drive & Community Food Drive. Niles locations will be collecting non-perishable food items benefiting Niles Family Services and new toy donations during regular business hours beginning November 5 thru December 16, 2012. For more information, call 847-588-6800. th

TOPS. 5-7 p.m. every Monday at the Niles Park District Howard Leisure Center, 6676 W. Howard Street, Niles. This not-for-profit weight loss organization meets every Monday. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact Sandie at 847-691-7122. FISH Seeking Volunteers. Due to the economy, FISH is experiencing over a 40 percent rise in ridership. It is straining both the volunteer service level and budget. Since 1971, FISH

volunteers have been serving Park Ridge and Maine Township residents by providing free rides to medical appointments. To continue to provide a high level of service to all residents of Maine Township, FISH needs volunteers. Can you spare four hours per month to drive neighbors to medical appointments? To volunteer, call Ed Oken, President, 847 6960761. Meet US Rep Schakowsky’s Representative. 9 a.m. to noon at the Park Ridge Library.A member of U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky’s Evanston office will be at the library every Wednesday morning to answer your questions about government, health care, retirement issues, immigration visas, and anything else related to federal benefits. For more information, contact Ann Limjoco at 847-328-3409. Stroke Club. 3-4:30 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Center for Advanced Care, Room

Calendar 1220, 1700 Luther Lane, Park Ridge. This is a free program for stroke victims and survivors (plus a guest). Free parking is available in the attached parking garage. For more information contact Meg Potterfield, 847723-4765 or Dorene Wlodarski, 847-296-2470. TOPS Club. 8:30-10 a.m. every Tuesday at the Feldman Rec Center, 8800 W. Kathy Lane, Niles. Lose weight with TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Everyone is welcome. Call Dorene Wlodarski, 847-2962470 or Lenore Lunquist, 847729-2530 for more information.

DECEMBER 7 Holiday Craft Fair. 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Park Ridge Presbyterian Church, 1300 W. Crescent Ave. Free Admission to Craft Fair and carriage ride, dinner & Santa. Delicious Pasta Dinner and Dessert. 15 minute Horse Drawn Carriage Ride.Visit with Santa. Shop at the Boutique. Tickets $15.00 (adults) $10 (children under 12). For more

information please call Nancy Buckely 847-318-1008. Author Talk: Building the Canal to Save Chicago. 7 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. Richard Lanyon, former Executive Director of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, discusses the history and creation of the Sanitary District of Chicago and the building of the 28-mile canal, river improvement, and many bridges that reversed the Chicago River’s flow. Learn how critical this canal system remains to the city and its future. Books will be available for sale following the presentation. For more information, call 847-9295122.

DECEMBER 8 LEGOLAND Discovery Center Presents: Tall Towers Jr Workshop (Ages 3-5). 1 to 2 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. Children will build LEGO towers of various shapes, colors and patterns and have lots of LEGO fun! Registration required. For more information, call 847-9295122. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Presents: Race Car Workshop (Grades 1-6). 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. Your young engineer will build a series of LEGO racecars and will race them on a special track, collect data and measure how fast their creations went in comparison to the other cars. Registration required. For more information, call 847-929-5122.

DECEMBER 9 Holiday Concert: Jutta and the Hi-Dukes. 2 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. For all ages. Jutta and the Hi-Dukes return to MGPL by popular demand - with a special program of ethnic holiday music. Enjoy an eclectic world music program that includes a Greek Christmas song, a Bosnian Chanukah song, a Scandinavian Julenisse song, and many more. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 847-929-5122.

DECEMBER 10 Pages. Chat about fresh, popular reads! Pages meets monthly at the Barnes & Noble,

5405 Touhy Ave., in Skokie. Join us for a discussion of Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys on Mon., Dec. 10, 7 p.m. In 1941, Lina and her family are pulled from their Lithuanian home and sent to Siberia, where her father is sentenced to death in a prison camp while she fights for her life. For more information, call 847-929-5122.

DECEMBER 11 Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Orientation. 2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. Presented by National Able Network. Registration is required by National Able Network; to register, go to www. worknetncc.com or call 847448-8649. For more information, call 847-929-5122.

DECEMBER 14 Secret of the Wings (2012, G). 4 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. For more information, call 847-929-5122.

DECEMBER 15 Breakfast with Santa Join Santa for his annual breakfast buffet with Niles Park District. Every year, Santa makes a stop at the Howard Leisure Center, to enjoy breakfast, visit, and of course pictures with the children. It’s a jolly time. Register early, spaces fill up fast! All adults and children in attendance must register for this event. For more information, call 847-967-6633. Language Stars:A Language Learning Adventure (Ages 4-8). 2 to 3 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove.This special story time will introduce your child to foreign languages through stories and activities. For more information, call 847929-5122.

DECEMBER 16 Houdini: His Life, His Legend (age 8 and up). 2 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. The name Houdini is still one of the most famous names in the world of magic - even though he died eighty years ago. Magician William Pack will tell you about the fascinating life and times of Harry Houdini and will amaze you with magic tricks made famous by Houdini. For more information, call 847-929-5122.

Forum

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

Letter to the Editor

Guest Columnist

Park Ridge parks are not the problem

Mary, Mother of God

I take strong exception to Dick Barton’s Letter to the Editor in the Nov. 22 issue captioned “Park Ridge Lacking Public Space, Enough Parks.” Barton writes that the city is “lacking in public open space.” This is untrue. Park Ridge has 20 Parks. Let’s remember that the west border of Park Ridge encompasses county forest preserve acreage that exceeds the city park district. In addition to the natural beauty and wildlife, this gives us a long jogging/biking path, a picnic ground, a field to fly model airplanes, and even a place to fish. Barton’s claim is not only untrue; it is largely irrelevant. Looking at the quarterly schedule of activities, I see that most of them take place indoors -- preschool, fencing, yoga, classes in finance, Senior Citizen lunches, children’s parties, chess tournaments, art classes, computer usage, music lessons, educational trips, cooking, art

lessons, woodworking classes, interior decorating classes, tai chi, photography, strength training, hapkito. The Youth Campus land has been used by non-profit institutions for about a century. It produced no tax revenue in all that time. Its time that it does. Park Ridge needs tax base more than it needs open space. Keeping this area off the tax rolls is a cost that should be added to the $75 per year per residence that Barton thinks the Youth Campus would cost. I must add that I am suspicious of any park district estimate, since detailed project estimates have not been produced, let alone bid. As it stands, the proposal to tax residents $75 (probably much more) a year for an unneeded facility is nothing more than bureaucratic empire building by the park district. James Smith Park Ridge

Opinions printed on this page, whether in Letters to the Editor or in columns or cartoons, are the opinions of the writer and not necessarily of this newspaper, its publishers, editor or employees. Only editorials reflect the views of the newspaper.

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At Christmas time, do you think of the mother of Jesus Christ? Outside Catholicism and Orthodoxy, she is mostly overlooked, but doing so is our error. Mary is a singular example of faith and family. Jewish law in her day expected virginity, marital fidelity, close family ties, and limited women to the position of property. Wives had three marriage rights: the right to food, clothing and marital relations. That’s it. Into that mix came the angel Gabriel to visit a young maiden, Mary. How many of us have the faith to be visited by an angel? Mary was betrothed to Joseph. This was a contract with the expectation that they would be reserved one for the other until marriage. Gabriel told her she would conceive a son. How can this be, Mary asks, as I am unwed and a virgin? She demonstrates her devotion to the Laws of God and the concept of Holy Matrimony, but she would face consequences. Gabriel responds, fear not. Mary, as an unwed mother, will face dishonor, public humiliation and possible death

by stoning.Yet, she replies, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” What faith and the next words she hears are confirmation of her faith: “Blessed are you among women.” The time we now celebrate with joy was a night of horror. Herod sent soldiers to kill the sons born then. Upon that holiest of nights mothers’ cries tore the blackness around Bethlehem and in all the borders thereof as their newborns were snatched and killed before their very eyes. Mary, little more than a girl (marrying age was pre-teen to teen), faced a terrifying situation that even modern adults are poorly equipped to manage. Can you imagine the amount of faith, obedience, and courage it took to complete her task? With little more to go on than what is contained in the New

Illustrated Opinions

Testament we can see that Mary had used faith showing that faith isn’t something you have. It is something you use. It is only that use, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, that prepares us for the trials we face in life. Joseph, warned by dream, is faithful as well. He doesn’t put her away “privily”, but fulfills his marital obligation, stands by both Mary and her new born child. We hear little else about Joseph and it is Mary who Christ calls “woman” at the wedding. The word “woman” in the Hebrew language is no insult, but the greatest honorific a son could give his mother proving that Jesus Christ, God himself, loved and recognized her motherhood. At the Cross do you think Mary recalled the anguish of those poor mothers in Bethlehem the night her child was born and, seeing her little boy now grown and in agony, relived their loss anew? This Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, we would do well to also remember and honor Mary, His Mother.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

Schools

District 64 Schools celebrate holiday December brings with it many opportunities for families of students and Park RidgeNiles community members to enjoy traditional Holiday Sings and concerts presented by District 64 grade K-8 students during the festive season. The musical calendar gets underway with a series of evening performances by District 64 middle school students. All will begin at 7 p.m. Instrumental performances will be held either in the school gym at Lincoln Middle School or the multipurpose room at Emerson Middle School: • On Wednesday, Dec. 5, Emerson’s String Ensemble

and Chamber Orchestra will perform, while at Lincoln, the Beginning and Chamber orchestras will play. • On Thursday, Dec. 6, Emerson’s Symphonic and Jazz bands will hold a concert, while Lincoln’s Beginning Band, Percussion Ensemble and Symphonic Band are scheduled to play. • Choral performances also are planned for Emerson’s vocalists on Thursday, Dec. 13 in the multipurpose room, and for Lincoln’s on Tuesday, Dec. 18 in Winslow Hall. Elementary school Holiday Sings are scheduled on the final days prior to Winter Break:

• Carpenter School (north gym) on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. for grades AM Kindergarten, 1-3; and at 1 p.m. for grades PM Kindergarten, 4-5 along with the chorus and D.R.U.M. Club. • Field School (north gym) on Thursday,Dec.20 and Friday,Dec. 21: Students in Kindergarten and grades 3-4 will perform on Thursday. Students whose last names begin in A-L and all Kindergarten AM will perform a prelude at 9:30 a.m. leading to a 10 a.m. performance; students whose last names begin in M-Z and all Kindergarten PM will perform a 1 p.m. prelude leading to a 1:30 p.m. performance. On Friday, the same schedule will be followed for grades 1, 2 and

5, with students whose last names begin in A-L performing in the morning and M-Z in the afternoon. • Franklin School (auditorium) on Wednesday, Dec. 19 and Thursday, Dec. 20: Students whose last names begin in A-L will perform on Wednesday. Grades AM Kindergarten, 1, 3 and 5 will perform at 9:30 a.m., and grades PM Kindergarten, 2 and 4 will perform at 12:30 p.m. On Thursday, students whose last names begin in M-Z will perform; grade levels will be divided the same way, but the afternoon program will begin a half-hour later at 1 p.m. • Roosevelt School (south gym) on Thursday, Dec. 20:

Morning performances are scheduled for students whose last names begin in A-L – at 9 a.m. for grades AM Kindergarten, 3 and 5, and grade 5 chorus and chimers; and at 10:15 a.m. for grades 1, 2 and 4, and grade 4 chorus and chimers. Afternoon performances are set for students whose last names begin in M-Z – at 1 p.m. for grades 1, 2 and 4, and grade 4 chorus and chimers; and at 2:15 p.m. for grades PM Kindergarten, 3 and 5, and grade 5 chorus and chimers. • Washington School (gym) on Friday, Dec. 21 at 9:15 a.m. for grades 1, 3 and 5; and at 10:30 a.m. for grades Kindergarten (AM/PM), 2 and 4.

Candidate nomination filing begins Dec. 17 for District 64 Board of Education openings Nominating petitions for the April 9, 2013 school board election in Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 may be filed during regular business hours beginning on Monday, Dec. 17 no earlier than 8 a.m. until Monday, Dec. 24 no later than 5 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 164 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. Nominating papers may be filed by the candidate in person, by mail or by an agent. Forms are available at the District office. Four, four-year seats on the seven-member District 64 Board will be filled at the April 9 election. Candidates’ names will appear on the election ballot in the order in which their nominating

papers are received at the District 64 office. In the event of simultaneous submission, a lottery has been scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 18 at noon. Other important dates include: • The period to file objections to nomination papers is: Dec. 26, 27, 28 and 31, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the District ESC. • The final day to file a Withdrawal of Candidacy form for candidates that decide not to run is Jan. 31 also at the District 64 ESC. Elections are non-partisan and Board candidates do not indicate a political party affiliation. To be eligible to serve, a school board member must be, on the date

of the election, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years old, a registered voter, and a resident of the State of Illinois and District 64 for at least one year immediately preceding the election. Nominating papers consist of the following: 1. Nominating petitions signed by at least 50 voters residing within District 64. Petitions must be securely bound together with pages numbered consecutively, and each page must carry the notarized signature of the petition circulator. 2. Statement of candidacy, which includes a request that the candidate’s name be placed on the official ballot, the address

of the candidate, the office sought, and a statement that the candidate is qualified for the office and has filed (or will file before the close of the petition filing period) a statement of economic interests as required by the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. 3. A receipt from the County Clerk showing that the candidate has filed the statement of economic interests as noted above. 4. A loyalty oath, which is optional. A candidate may choose to file it or not. The District 64 website offers candidate filing information and resources about Board service at www.d64.org.

taKe 5 C ro s s w o rd P u z z l e

Across

Down

1 E.T. carriers, theoretically 5 Fetch 10 Last letters in London 14 Calamine mineral 15 Where one’s name might go, on a form 16 “Out of Africa” author Dinesen 17 Composer Stravinsky 18 Eight is enough for one 19 Spitting sound 20 1981 Fonda/ Hepburn classic 23 Mac maker 26 “I Ching” readers 27 2006 Bullock/ Reeves romance 31 Back talk 32 “Hi-__, Hi-Lo” 33 Annual sports awards 37 In re 39 Designer Karan 42 Donkey’s need,

in a party game 43 Low on funds 45 Winged peace symbol 47 Director Ang or Spike 48 1994 Streep/ Bacon thriller 52 Sleeve opening 55 Puts in the mail 56 2004 Kevin Spacey tribute (to Bobby Darin) 60 Yankees superstar, familiarly 61 “Old MacDonald” refrain 62 New Zealander 66 Mafia boss 67 Dog’s warning 68 Michener novel, typically 69 Tinkertoy alternative 70 Playable on a VCR 71 Do, re or mi

1 Israeli submachine gun 2 Source of Eve’s leaves 3 Yoko from Tokyo 4 Dead Sea find 5 Web opinion piece 6 Puerto __ 7 Part of IMF: Abbr. 8 Must 9 French sponge cake 10 Having the most pizazz 11 These, in Tijuana 12 Intimidate 13 Loses control on the ice 21 Host Conan of NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” 22 Rudolph’s is red 23 Book of maps 24 Engage in an online scam 25 __-Bismol 28 Tease 29 “Evil Woman” gp. 30 Delhi tongue 34 “Going Rogue” author Sarah 35 Give way

36 Mushers’ vehicles 38 Greek __ Church 40 Oct. follower 41 D.C.’s Pennsylvania, e.g. 44 Suffix with teleor Dance-A46 Celtic language 49 Firstborn 50 Light-sensitive eye part 51 Debilitate 52 Taken __: surprised 53 Showed again 54 Mr. Magoo, e.g. 57 Jalopy 58 Galway’s land 59 Word after “going twice ...” 63 NASDAQ debut 64 Dorothy Parker forte 65 Arctic pier material

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

H o ro s c o p e s Think for yourself. Don’t change your way of doing things just because other people insist on having their way. An independent spirit but a willingness to compromise leads to success in the week ahead.

C o o p e r a t i o n overcomes roadblocks. People will be pleased by your open and fair manner if you let it shine through in the upcoming week. What is good for one person should benefit everyone involved.

A restless need for a change of pace is in the air this week. You may feel like clowning around or may be forced to deal with apologies. Someone could misunderstand a message.

Consider the future in the week ahead. Your favorite sidekicks could have imaginative ideas and paint a pretty picture of what might be, but you are wise to reserve a final opinion until you see concrete results.

Hold all bets. You might shoot an arrow into the air and have no idea where it will land. A gamble on positive end results could turn out for the best in the week ahead, but only if you are very practical.

Fly by the seat of your pants. Have faith that you can handle circumstances that threaten your security. You can tap into universal wisdom this week and it will help you instinctively follow the right path.

You may be gung-ho about something for all the wrong reasons - but with all the right results this week. Since confidence levels are high, certain key people will seem excited about your ideas and plans.

The foresight to create things that improve your future while in the midst of change leads to success. Enjoy the company of people who offer a whimsical twist and lighten your load this week.

Do a favor for a new friend. You might not be repaid exactly the way you imagine, but something good will emerge from acts of generosity this week. Get the job done by acting on inspiration.

Pick up where you left off. Small interruptions might sidetrack you this week, but it is easy to get back on target quickly. You must fully visualize your financial future before you act on new ideas.

Believe in beneficial changes. There is a kernel of goodness in any event, no matter how worrisome, that you can put to your advantage this week. Get what you want with the least amount of effort.

Your exuberance may be touched off by an accidental meeting or a new contact. You can tackle just about anything this week. Don’t forget that a lack of organization may scatter energies too widely.

Sudoku

J umble

Tribune Media Services 2012

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Previous puzzle ’s answers Jumbles: • PIECE • YOUNG • COUSIN • DULCET

Answer:

What the stockbrokers gave the attentive waiter -A GOOD “TIP”

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

Bugle Kids

INSIDE: Maine South girls hoops remains unbeaten, page 12; McCaskeys have history at Notre Dame, page 14

www.nilesbugle.com

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

Morgan Park hands Dons first loss By Mike Sandrolini Sports Reporter

Things were going the Dons’ way through three quarters of their eventual 61-53 loss to Morgan Park in the nightcap of the four-game Cyrus McGinnis Jump Ball Showcase hosted by Notre Dame on Sunday. Senior point guards Donte Stephenson and Jake Maestranzi, both in the Dons’ starting lineup, frustrated Morgan Park’s Kyle Davis and Billy Garrett Jr.—considered to be one of the best guard tandems in the state—throughout the first half. They helped limit the duo to a combined six points. Meanwhile, Justin Halloran and Matt Mooney combined for 21 first-half points as the Dons led 33-30 at the break. Notre Dame went on a 7-1 run to begin the third quarter and built up a 40-31 lead.Then Davis, Garrett and the Mustangs got on track. The Dons held a 48-44 lead going into the fourth quarter, but didn’t get their first basket of that quarter until midway through the period. The Mustangs took advantage of a cold shooting snap by the Dons—they were just 2 of 12 from the floor during the quarter—and catapulted into the lead for good, 50-48, with 6:09 left, thanks to consecutive three-point plays from Davis and Garrett.

Stephenson and Maestranzi, a transfer from South Elgin who finished with eight points, both fouled out later in the fourth quarter—a development that hurt the Dons’ effectiveness against Davis (20 points) and Garrett (10). “My point guards were in foul trouble so they were a little concerned,” said Notre Dame coach Tom Les. “We started reaching (as a team defensively). The free-throw disparity in the second half was huge.They went to the basket. I’ve got to give them credit.We did too much reaching and not enough defending with our feet.” The loss was Notre Dame’s first of 2012-13 after opening the year with six straight triumphs. “I thought it was a great game. Two really good teams. Obviously they’re very talented,” said Les of Morgan Park (2-0), which is ranked third in the area by both Chicago metro papers while the Dons also are ranked in the top 20. “We’re hoping to learn a lot from this loss. Our league (the East Suburban Catholic Conference) is awfully good; that’s why we play games like this. “They’re good. I thought they wore us down a little bit. They were pretty aggressive in the fourth quarter. They were much deeper than us so they got to the rim in the fourth quarter and we Mike Sandrolini/Bugle Staff

See DONS, page 13

Matt Mooney scored 12 points for Notre Dame in a 61-53 loss to Morgan Park Sunday.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

Sports

Mike Sandrolini/Bugle Staff

Maine South junior Hailey Schoneman eyes the basket Friday night. Schoneman finished with five points.

Clutch shooting lifts Hawks By Mike Sandrolini Sports Reporter

Starting off on the right foot in a girls basketball conference as tough as the CSL South was Job One for the undefeated Maine South going into last Friday’s opener at home against alwaysrugged New Trier. And the Hawks successfully took that first step, earning a hard-fought 47-42 victory over the Trevians, with whom they’ve played plenty of close games the past eight seasons.The two clubs were 8-8 over that span prior to Friday night. “Anytime you play New Trier

at any sport at any level, it’s a battle,” said Maine South coach Mark Smith. “I’m really proud of our kids. We knew it was going to be a grind-it-out game. We were trying to hold on to it and we barely held on.” The Hawks (8-0, 1-0) struggled at the free-throw line all night, hitting just 2 of 9 in the second half and 8 of 23 for the game. However, they were able to drain three-pointers at crucial moments, particularly in the fourth quarter. The Trevians cut Maine South’s lead to five points twice (39-34 and 42-37) on threes from Megan Neuhaus, but Regan Carmichael and Claire

Raphael answered Neuhaus’ hot hand with treys of their own to help Maine South maintain an eight-point cushion. Usually, the Hawks look to sharp-shooting Mackenzie Duffy to provide them with points from beyond the arc, but Duffy got help from Carmichael (two threes), Raphael and senior Erin Kieny, who scored all of her nine points from three-point range. “I think we shot the ball from the arc better than we did from the free throw line,” Smith said. “I’m not sure if that speaks highly of our three-point See HAWKS, page 15

Sports

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

Wolves, Hawks continue undefeated seasons Niles West took on rival Niles North in the Crosstown Classic on Saturday, and remained undefeated for the season (5-0) by holding off the Vikings, 6763. David McCoy’s 17 points topped Niles West scorers. The Wolves trailed at one point early in the fourth quarter, but put together a run that enabled them to take the lead. Niles North was able to trim Niles West’s advantage to two points twice late in the game, but the Wolves were able to hold them off. Joe Younan and Ahmad Gibson scored 12 points apiece for Niles West. •Maine South won its fifth

straight game without a loss Saturday, drubbing Evanston, 5327, in the Hawks’ first CSL South contest of the year. The Hawks (5-0, 1-0) were led by Frank Dounis’ 16 points. Danny Quinn chipped in with 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists, and George Sargeant added nine. •Maine East started play in the CSL North with a 50-34 loss to Highland Park last Friday. The Demons (1-4, 0-1) got eight points each from Evan Nazzal and Ezeke Omeke.

Resurrection breezed past Regina on Nov. 28, 2,677 to

Notre Dame, fresh off a second-place finish at a fourteam tournament held the

Maine South competed in the annual Al Galatte Invitational on Saturday, placing ninth out of 19 teams. Haleigh Sir was the Hawks’ top finisher, tying for 11th in the floor exercise with a score of 8.85. She was a state qualifier last season.

DONS

“They just kept attacking,” Mooney said. “We don’t ever want to feel this way again all year. We’re going to get better and hopefully win every other game (we play).” It was the Dons who were on the attack during the game’s first 16 minutes. Mooney scored four consecutive points in the second quarter to force a 27-27 tie, and

Duante Stephens’ free throw put the Dons in front (28-27) for the first time since early in the game. “We were attacking, making good decisions and our guys made shots,” Les said. “I have some pretty good shooters. If they (opponents) want to hang with the shooters, then my two point guards can get in there and

finish.” The Dons host Marist, another ranked team, in their ESCC opener Friday night. On Saturday, Notre Dame faces Crane at the Derrick Rose Shootout, which takes place at Malcolm X College in Chicago. Last Friday, Notre Dame drilled Clark, 71-28. Mooney scored nine points while Maestranzi

Continued from page 11 kind of settled for shots and got a little tentative.” Halloran ended up with 14 points, Mooney 12 and Eddie Serrano nine points and eight rebounds.

GIRLS BOWLING

1,991. Sami Comiskey rolled a 577 series that included a 244 high game. Luisa Velez added a 203 high game and 550 series, and Alicia Gamboa tallied a 202 high game and 523 series. Joelle Denver’s 516 series included a 214 high game. On Saturday, the Bandits finished ninth out of 20 squads at the Fremd Invitational. Denver recorded the team’s high game (203) and high series (501), followed by Velez (200, 491) and Jenny Voss (193, 485).

HOCKEY

previous weekend at Notre Dame University in South Bend, beat Leyden, 4-2, in a game that took place Nov. 27. Brandon Maize tallied two goals, while Brendan Golden and Dylan Hunt scored the other goals. Nick Yzaguirra recorded two assists.

GIRLS GYMNASTICS

WRESTLING Notre Dame hosted a doubledual with Conant and Addison Trail on Saturday, winning both bouts. Chris Sommers (106 pounds), Jim Gallardo (113), John Doyle (145), Sean Heneghan (152), Joe Cortese (160 and 170), Robert Hill (182), Nico Pontikalis (195) and Gino Orlandi (heavyweight) each won two matches for Notre Dame during the day. Pontikalis and Orlandi won both of their matches by fall. Peter Lajewski (138), Roark Whittington (152) and Michael Mulcrone (220) also won matches. and Ryan Roycroft netted eight apiece. Every player on the Dons’ roster scored in the game. “I think we’ve played pretty good defense,” Les said. “No. 2, I think I’ve got great seniors, good senior leadership. We played a good schedule last year so those guys got used to playing big games against quality competition.” mike@buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

Sports

McCaskey family’s Notre Dame roots run deep By Mike Sandrolini Sports Reporter

The McCaskey family, of course, needs no introduction to Chicago Bears fans. The McCaskeys are principal owners of the franchise, with Virginia McCaskey—daughter of team founder “Papa Bear” George Halas—her children and grandchildren controlling 80 percent of the team. But the McCaskeys have deep roots in this area. All eight sons of Virginia (who turns 90 in January) and the late Edward McCaskey graduated from Notre Dame—the most from one family to ever graduate from the all-boys college prep school. Several of the McCaskey brothers were involved in athletics at Notre Dame. Michael McCaskey (Class of 1961), former Bears team president and Chairman of the Board, played safety and quarterback for the Dons. Tim McCaskey (1961), who passed away in 2011, was a freshman and sophomore football player. Ned (1971) and Brian (1978) also played freshman football (Brian later became a trainer for the team). Current Bears Chairman George McCaskey (1974) and Pat (1967), a member of the Bears’ board of directors and senior director of special projects, both followed in Michael’s footsteps as they, too, quarterbacked the Dons’ offense. Interestingly, Pat and George—who took over as team chairman after Michael retired in 2011—share a similar path with 2012 Dons’ QB Dan Nagode in this regard: All three became the starting quarterback for the first time their senior years. The McCaskey brothers also donned the same jersey number for the Dons—No. 10. (Notre Dame backup QB Gino Catallo, a junior, wore No. 10 this season.) And both played for then head coach Fran Willett, who’s in the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. “Probably the most vivid memory was what an honor it was to play for Fran Willett,” said George recently from his office at Halas Hall.“I would go to Pat’s games when I was a kid. I greatly admired Pat as a player, and coach Willett as a coach. I just See DEEP, page 15

Mike Sandrolini/Bugle Staff

George (left) and Pat McCaskey of the Chicago Bears both started at quarterback for Notre Dame their senior years, and both wore jersey No. 10.

Sports DEEP Continued from page 14 considered it an honor to wear Pat’s number and play the same position for the same coach.” The 1966 Notre Dame squad that Pat quarterbacked went undefeated with a 9-0 record. The Dons outscored their opponents that season 34180 and won each game by an average of 29 points. Pat also was a two-way starter for the Dons in ’66, calling defensive signals at linebacker. The defense Notre Dame utilized throughout the year, a 44 defense, was cutting edge for a high school squad, Pat noted. It was the same defense that Al Loboy, the team’s defensive coordinator, ran when Loboy played at the University of Notre Dame. Loboy was a Notre Dame High School product, as well. The 1961 Dons, like the 1966 club, put together an undefeated season (10-0). “Right after he (Loboy) graduated from college he came to the high school,” Pat said. “It

HAWKS Continued from page 12 shooting or poorly of our free throw shooting. Maybe both. “Raph (Raphael) gave up some threes on her end, but she hit a really big three right after her kid hit one. We shot well from the three-point arc, and Erin Kieny was a big part of that.” The Trevians were able to limit Jacqui Grant to seven points, but the senior Illinois signee did pull down seven rebounds. “To her defense, they were triple-teaming her and maybe the reason why we got some open looks on the arc was the attention that she was drawing

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

was a very effective defense.” One of Pat’s teammates was none other than Greg “The Bull” Luzinzki, who played 15 major-league seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and later with the Chicago White Sox. Luzinski hit 32 homers and 95 RBIs for the 1983 Sox, a team that advanced to the A.L. Championship Series. Luzinski played fullback and linebacker for the Dons, and also punted. He and Pat were all-conference selections their senior years. After practice, Luzinski’s family would give Pat a ride home to Des Plaines, where the McCaskeys lived at the time. “He lived in Prospect Heights and I lived in Des Plaines so it was an easy thing for Greg and his family to give me a ride home after football practice,” said Pat, who also ran the twomile, one-mile and half-mile for the Dons’ track team, which won conference titles his junior and senior years. “He had many scholarship offers to play Division I football, but he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies right out of high school. “I was very fortunate because

I had great teammates when I was a senior.” Notre Dame posted a winning season with George calling the signals in 1973. George makes light of his 32 percent pass completion rating that year— “Pat excelled at Notre Dame football and I played without distinction,” he joked—but the team still went 5-3-1. “And the only reason it (completion percentage) was as high as that is because we had a tight end, Buzz Naughton, who was a forward on the basketball team,” George said. “He had a wingspan of about eight feet. He caught anything that was anywhere near him.” George’s most memorable game as a Don was one that ended up being a scoreless tie against Holy Cross, a huge Notre Dame rival back in the day. “The one that sticks my mind, or sticks in my craw, is Holy Cross,” George said. “Just how disappointing it was because they were a big rival of ours at the time. Our defense played great. I remember the field was a mud bath. “Al Loboy was the defensive coordinator when I was there

(too). It was a very aggressive, very stifling defense.Too bad the offense couldn’t keep up its end of the bargain.” Summer football camps weren’t the rage during the 1960s and 1970s as they are now. But since Papa Bear happened to be their grandfather, the McCaskeys spent a week each summer at the Bears’ training camp, located then at St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Ind. Bears players would take time after two-a-days to teach them some of the finer points of the game. Pat recalls how Bill Wade, quarterback of the 1963 NFL champion Bears, worked with them on the fundamentals of the position. “Before Bill Wade went in to shower, he taught us how to drop back (to pass), (use) good footwork, (and a) great followthrough,” Pat said.“That was very helpful and we were throwing 200 passes a day.” George says he still follows his alma mater “casually as a fan and I try to keep an eye on the Dons.” “It was four of the best years of my life,” he said. “I think it’s an outstanding place. I love how

they work on forming the entire individual, not just specific aspects, and emphasizing the Christians and the Catholics’ role in society; that you can’t be an island. “Now under Father (John) Smyth’s direction (Smyth is the school president), I just love where they’re going and how they’re going about getting there.” Pat, meanwhile, also stays involved with Notre Dame. He’s part of the Association for Christian Faithful and the Student Activities Committee, and participates in the school’s Lifetime Learning (LTL) seminars, which provides Notre Dame juniors and seniors with information designed to help them excel after graduation. Pat and Brian McCaskey—the club’s senior director of business development who also serves on the board of directors—were both inducted into Notre Dame’s Hall of Honor in 2007 and 2008, respectively. “It was a very good experience,” Pat said of his days at Notre Dame. “It was, and is, a great school.”

inside. But I thought she logged big-time minutes, and thought she got big, big boards for us. We ran a really nice play to open the second half for her that really set the tone for the second half.” That play to which Smith is referring was an inside basket by Grant that put the Hawks in front 27-20 at the start of the third quarter. Maine South led 3322 midway through the period following a Kieny three. “It’s just one of those things where we’ve got to come out and protect our home court,” said Carmichael, who notched a team-high 15 points and nine rebounds. “The stands were filled with all the fans. It’s just great to come out and get this first conference win.”

The Hawks were able to create some matchup problems, periodically putting the 6-3 Grant and 6-foot junior Hailey Schoneman (seven rebounds) at the high post simultaneously. “Sometimes we put another post in, too, and put Jacqui as a guard,” Schoneman added. “We’ll have three people 6-foot and over so it’s hard to play and hard to beat. “It’s a good win.This is one we really wanted. It puts us 1-0 in conference so we’ve got a good start. They’re shooting to beat us now.” Maine South earlier in the week won its seventh straight contest by making quick work of Maine West, 55-29, in a CSL crossover game. Grant, Carmichael and

Duffy (3 of 4 from three-point range) each reached double figures for the Hawks, scoring 16, 14 and 13 points, respectively. Grant also had seven rebounds and Carmichael five. Resurrection, despite a 27-point explosion from Liz Rehberger, fell to Carmel, 6050, on Nov. 29. Rehberger was a perfect 12 of 12 from the free throw line and chalked up five steals. Kate Moriarty chipped in with 12 points. The Bandits took on highly regarded Trinity on Saturday, losing 62-46. Rehberger again came up big, scoringwise, for the Bandits, pumping in 20 points. Moriarty scored eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Maine East avenged an earlier-

season loss to Glenbrook North at the Vernon Hills Thanksgiving tourney by registering a 49-36 win in CSL North action last Friday. Shaylee Sloan and Jazlene Gonzalez contributed to the victory. Niles West, after dropping three straight games to start the season, received 12 points from guard Katherine DeLara en route to a 44-35 win against Niles North in the Crosstown Classic Saturday. It was the Wolves’ second win in a row. Michelle Karp also had seven points. The Wolves opened their CSL South season last Friday by defeating Waukegan, 46-25, behind DeLara’s 11 points and nine from Jasmine Townsend.

mike@buglenewspapers.com

36 16

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

www.buglenewspapers.com/basketball

Benet edges Curie at Notre Dame By Mike Sandrolini Sports Reporter

Sunday’s Cyrus McGinnis Jump Ball Showcase, hosted by Notre Dame High School, boasted a handful of ranked area teams and several standout players. One of the day’s more intriguing matchups, however, occurred in Game 3 between the Redwings and Curie. Both clubs took the court ranked among the top 20 teams in the area by Chicago’s metro papers, and feature two of the nation’s top-ranked junior centers, Benet’s Sean O’Mara and Curie’s Cliff Alexander. The matchup of 6-foot-9 big men, each of whom have already received several scholarship offers from major NCAA Division I programs, didn’t disappoint. But after all was said and done, O’Mara (13 points, six rebounds) got the better of Alexander (six points) in their head-to-head meeting, and Benet got the better of Curie, 37-36. O’Mara sank just 3 of 8 attempts from the line in the second half, but his free throw with 12.5 seconds to go after being fouled inside by Curie’s Malik Elebye ended up deciding the game. “I’ve actually only seen him play a couple of times,” said O’Mara, referring to Alexander, who, like O’Mara, has an offer on the table from the University of Illinois. Illini head coach John Groce was in attendance Sunday, along with other college coaches. “This is the first time I’ve got to match up with him. He’s a big, strong physical kid. He’s a really good player.” With 33.6 seconds remaining, Benet’s Collin Pellettieri took a change that enabled Benet to gain possession and led to O’Mara’s game-winning free throw. Curie’s DeMarcus Richardson had a chance to win it, but he missed a short shot, and Alexander couldn’t get a putback attempt to fall. “We had to win the game on the defensive end,” said Benet

BOYS BOWLING 1. Romeoville 2. Plainfield Central 3. Minooka 4. Lockport 5. Bolingbrook 6. Plainfield North 7. Joliet West

GIRLS BOWLING 1. Lockport 2. Minooka 3. Joliet West 4. Plainfield East 5. Plainfield North 6. Plainfield Central 7. Downers South

BOYS BASKETBALL 1. Benet 2. Maine South 3. Niles West 4. Notre Dame 5. Joliet West 6. Bolingbrook 7. Downers South

Mike Sandrolini/Bugle Staff

Sean O’Mara was game MVP and scored 13 points in Benet’s 37-36 win over Curie.

coach Gene Heidkamp.“We took the charge. Then they missed a tough shot and they have one of the best inside players in the country trying to tip it in. We earned that victory with our defensive stops.” The Redwings trailed 36-31 with 2:18 to go, but a three from Eddie Eshoo (13 points) and two O’Mara free throws knotted the game at 36-36. Benet also overcame a sevenpoint deficit (27-20) late in the third quarter. Pat McInerney’s jumper just before the buzzer kick-started a 7-0 Benet run that enabled the Redwings to tie it 27-27 early in the fourth. “I’m really proud of our guys for just sticking with a great team,” McInerney said. “It’s a

good experience because come conference time and state tournament time, we’re going to be facing teams like this if we want to be where we want to be, and that’s going downstate.” Benet hosted York in a nonconference tilt Nov. 27 and handed the Dukes—also a ranked team—their first loss of the season, 49-44. O’Mara and McInerney each tallied 14 points for the Redwings, who led throughout the game but had to hold off York in the fourth quarter. Pellettieri helped the Redwings by hitting four free throws down the stretch. Last Friday, O’Mara poured in 30 points to lead the Redwings past Ridgewood, 70-54. McInerney added 12.

All told, Heidkamp likes how his team is faring, particularly when taking into account that both O’Mara and Jack Euritt were delayed joining the squad because they were starters on Benet’s Class 7A state semifinal football team. “We didn’t get Sean or Jack back until that first game,” Heidkamp said. “And Jack didn’t play until our fourth game. So we’ve been playing a little shorthanded. We haven’t had a lot of practice together. We put that into perspective with a lack of a preseason with some of our guys and I think that shows the character of these kids. So you beat two ranked teams in a week, it’s a good week.” mike@buglenewspapers.com

GIRLS BASKETBALL 1. Bolingbrook 2. Maine South 3. Plainfield East 4. Romeoville 5. Benet 6. JCA 7. Minooka

WRESTLING 1. Lockport 2. Minooka 3. Notre Dame 4. Plainfield Central 5. Downers North 6. Joliet West 7. Downers South Rankings are compiled by Mark Gregory and Scott Taylor.

Travel

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

The allure of Cordoba’s past Tucked into a bend of its river, the Andalusian town of Cordoba has a glorious Moorish past. While its old wall evokes the history of a long-ago empire, its elegant cityscape and convivial squares show a modern pride. Typical of southern Spain, it’s a people-friendly place filled with energy and color. Cordoba’s centerpiece is its massive former mosque or, in Spanish, Mezquita (for pronunciation ease, think female mosquito). Magical in its grandeur, this huge building dominates the higgledypiggledy old town that surrounds it. At its zenith, in the 10th century, the mosque was the center of Western Islam and a cultural hub that rivaled Baghdad and Constantinople. A wonder of the medieval world, the mosque is remarkably wellpreserved, giving visitors a chance to appreciate Islamic Cordoba and the glory days of Muslim rule. Grand gates lead to an outdoor courtyard sheltered by orange trees. Long ago, worshippers washed here before prayer, as directed by Muslim law. Entering the mosque, you step into a fantastic forest of delicate columns and graceful arches that seems to recede into infinity, as if reflecting the immensity and complexity of God’s creation. Inside, it’s easy to picture Cordoba as the center of a thriving and sophisticated culture. During the Dark Ages, when much of Europe was barbaric and illiterate, Cordoba was a haven of enlightened thought - famous for a remarkable spirit of religious tolerance, artistic expression, and dedication to philosophy and the sciences. Jews, Christians, and Muslims had figured out how to live together more or less harmoniously. Everyone spoke the same language, cooked the same dishes, wore the same type of clothes, and shared the same public baths. It was one culture, with three religious traditions. But in 1236, when Christians conquered the city, everything changed. According to legend, one morning Muslims said their last prayers in the great mosque, and that afternoon

the Christians set up a portable altar to celebrate their first Mass. Later, as if planting a cross into the mosque’s religious heart, they build an imposing cathedral in the middle of the Mezquita. Towering overhead, the cathedral’s bell tower encloses what had been a minaret. In its juxtaposition of traditions, the Mezquita uniquely embodies the interplay of Spain’s Christian and Muslim cultures. Cordoba has a fortress (Alcazar), a 14th-century synagogue, a Roman bridge, and the Museum of Al-Andalus Life (unabashedly pro-Muslim), but most tourists leave the city having seen only the Mezquita and the trinket shops and cute medieval quarter that surround it. But Cordoba is much more than its historical self. A short walk beyond the tourist zone takes you to a zigzag of residential lanes, whitewashed and narrow. People really live here. There are no tacky shops, and just about the only tourist is ... you. Go on a scavenger hunt for patios. For a respite from the hot, dry climate, locals retreat to open-air patios to cool off. These mostly hidden spaces are usually tucked behind ornate ironwork gates. As you wander, peek into any open patio door to catch a glimpse of a flowery retreat (homeowners are proud to show off their patios). Flowers are front and center in Cordoba each May, when the city celebrates a series of festival events. First comes the Battle of the Flowers parade, with women tossing flowers from blossom-covered floats to eager crowds. Next, for the Festival of the Crosses, neighborhoods proudly make and display 10-foot crosses festooned with flowers. Residents gather for months beforehand to prepare their crosses in secret; in an earlier era, the work parties were an excuse for young singles to meet. Perhaps the most emblematic Cordoba

Photo Courtesy of Cameron Hewitt

Although Cordoba’s Mezquita is a vast space, its low ceilings and dense columns created an intimate place of worship.

event, however, is the Patio Competition, when residents open their gardens to the public in an intense contest to select the city’s most attractive patio. If you have a penchant for patios, visit Palacio de Viana (a.k.a. the Patio Museum) to stroll its 12 connecting patios, each with a different theme. Cordoba is an easy day trip (it’s a short train ride from Sevilla) - but if you really want to know the place, spend the night. Like everywhere in southern Spain, evening is

prime time. Throughout the spring festival season, locals pack the squares in communitywide celebrations. During the Festival of the Crosses, each neighborhood association sets up a bar next to its flowered cross to serve drinks and tapas (the local specialty is salmorejo, a creamy version of gazpacho). Mellow guitar notes and seductive flamenco beats fill the air. Experiencing the traditional culture of Cordoba - celebrated by and for its locals - trumps

any packaged tourist show. With its beautiful courtyards, lively traditions, and infectious atmosphere, Cordoba rewards those who aren’t in a hurry.

(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

Business & Real Estate

First impressions are the best guide Q. I’ve been a manager for many years. I usually notice funny habits in employees who are going to be problems right away. Is it true that you can trust your first impressions? Is there a way to sort out your snap judgments from your flash of intuition about people? A. Yes, it is true that you can trust your first impressions. Overriding these first gut instincts is something we usually regret after we end up with problems. Unfortunately, it is only in the clear vision of our rear view mirror that we understand why we had a negative first impression of someone. Once problems start piling up around someone you work with, you will look backwards and easily identify the early warning signs. The question I’m often asked about intuition is how my clients can use their first impression before they end up

with a degree from the school of hard knocks. What I recommend is you start by pretending that you are your very own Psychic Friends’ Network. Before you throw out your first impression, ask yourself what you think is wrong with this person. Once you know the answer, review all the video tape you already have. Consider tone of voice, word choice, nonverbal communication and behaviors that struck you as odd. Now ask yourself what, if you are right about this person, is your worst-case scenario. Notice that I’m asking you to pretend you are not just making up nonsense. Investigators of violence will often report that people who ended up as victims later report that something just didn’t seem right to them. What

if these people had simply trusted their first impressions? In the workplace, we are less likely to be a victim of violence but more likely to be a victim of an employee or coworker who creates chaos, drama and more work for us. If you pay better attention to your first snapshot of someone, you might avoid a lot of misery later. For instance, if you are trying to hire someone, are they late, distracted or not feeling well? Do you decide this is just a temporary problem? The truth is this employee is showing you a small sample of who they usually are. Are you paying attention? Instead, you might be hiring a freelance consultant for an important project. Perhaps on the surface they look great, but you have this feeling in the pit of your stomach that you can’t trust them. How much data do you want to get in the form of bad experiences before you just don’t hire them?

When social psychologists study first impressions, they find that even people who are good liars give themselves away with tiny facial muscles that are impossible to control. Your first impression of a person is made up of hundreds of pieces of information he or she gives off, including these facial muscle movements. Most of us can’t rewind our mental video tape, slow it down and pore over the facial expressions that are behind our first impression. We simply walk away worried, unsettled or confused. If we fail to slow down and listen to our first impression, we give away a critical source of information we gathered immediately about the other person. The workplace cliche that you never get a second chance to make a first impression is completely correct. You also never get a second chance to pay attention to a first impression. Next time your warning bells

go off, listen and let your first impression be your guide.

The last word(s) Q. Everyone in my workplace seems unpredictable these days. Is there anything when it comes to people that I can count on? A. Yes, people will always have an important personal agenda. If you can help them get it, the workplace will be your oyster! (Daneen Skube, Ph.D., executive coach, trainer, therapist and speaker, also appears as the FOX Channel’s “Workplace Guru” each Monday morning. She’s the author of “Interpersonal Edge: Breakthrough Tools for Talking to Anyone, Anywhere, About Anything” (Hay House, 2006). You can contact Dr. Skube at www. interpersonaledge.com or 1420 NW Gilman Blvd., #2845, Issaquah, WA 98027. Sorry, no personal replies.)

Why you shouldn’t cash out Dear Dave, Is it a good idea for a married couple in their early thirties, who have a lot of student loan debt, to cash out one of their 401(k)s to pay it off? Marcy Dear Marcy, No way! You never cash out a 401(k) or IRA to pay off debt, unless it’s to avoid a foreclosure or bankruptcy. Let’s say you

take $50,000 out of your 401(k). Do you know what happens next? They’re going to charge you a 10 percent penalty, plus your tax rate. If you make $75,000 a year, that puts you in a 25 percent tax rate, plus the penalty. That’s a 35 percent hit, and that’s how much of your money is going straight down the toilet. Look at it this way. You wouldn’t ask me if it’s okay to borrow money at a 35 percent interest rate to pay off your school loans, right? That would be ridiculous, and this is just as dumb. There are no shortcuts when it comes to getting out of debt, Marcy. Roll up your sleeves and get on a beans and rice budget where every dollar has a name. This will enable you to save money and pay off that debt! —Dave

Paying for the classes Dear Dave, My wife and I have our fully funded emergency fund in place, and we’re debt-free, except for the house. She wants to return to school to get a master’s degree and change careers. She’ll be reimbursed up to $7,000 a year. Can we use some of our emergency fund to get things started? Kevin Dear Kevin, I’ve got a better idea. Save up the money! You guys are in great shape already. And to me, this opportunity seems like a small investment with a fabulous return. I really like the idea. But you have to be careful when it comes to things like this. You don’t want to get into the habit of calling things emergencies when they’re not emergencies. It’s a great thing, but it’s nowhere near an emergency. I know she’s excited about the possibilities, but I’d just

roll up my sleeves, save a little extra for a while and cash flow the classes. She’ll probably get reimbursed for the first classes right after she gets her grades, then you can use the reimbursement check to pay for the next classes, and the next check the next classes. Make sense? I love the school idea, and I’m glad your wife has such a great opportunity. But I don’t want you to take a chance on messing up the progress you’ve made in taking control of your finances. Just take your time and save for those first classes. You’ll be glad you did! —Dave *Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times bestselling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 5 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

positive end results could turn out for the best in the week ahead, but only if you are very practical.

Across

Down

can tap into universal wisdom this week and it will help you instinctively follow the right path.

things that improve your future while in the midst of change leads to success. Enjoy the company of people who offer a whimsical twist and lighten your load this week.

Do a favor for a new friend. You might not be repaid exactly the way you imagine, but something good will emerge from acts of generosity this week. Get the job done by acting on inspiration.

Believe in beneficial changes. There is a kernel of goodness in any event, no matter how worrisome, that you can put to your advantage this week. Get what you want with the least amount of effort.

Your exuberance may be touched off by an accidental meeting or a new contact. You can tackle just about anything this week. Don’t forget that a lack of organization may scatter energies too widely.

Sudoku

The foresight to create 19 THE BUGLE DECEMBER 6, 2012

J umble

Tribune Media Services 2012

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Jumbles: • PIECE • YOUNG • COUSIN • DULCET

Answer:

What the stockbrokers gave the attentive waiter -A GOOD “TIP”

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Senior Style Niles Senior Center November/December Naturally Active All programs require advanced registration. For a detailed description of programs & activities or to ask about membership or registration requirements, call the Niles Senior Center at 847-588-8420 Individuals must be a registered member of the Niles Senior Center to receive the member price. Non members are invited to participate in programs at the non-member price. For more information about membership and programs, contact the Senior Center. Issues in the News – Thursdays - 9:30-11:30AM This dynamic, refreshing class is led by long time leader of this program, Arlene Golub. This group is filled with folks from all walks of life, retired or not, who want to keep abreast of a broad spectrum of what is occurring locally and worldwide. Issues for discussion are brought up by class participants, and everyone’s opinion is valued. Please call the NSC at 847-5888420 for more information. Supermarket Bingo & Lunch Join us for an afternoon of food, fun and Bingo. Entrance fee: fresh, new grocery store items due as you check in and WALK IN to play (to ensure freshness). If we have left over goods, they will go to the Niles food pantry. Lunch includes a croissant sandwich, chips and dessert. Wednesday, December 19, 12:00-2:00pm. $4/$6NM. Holiday Greeting Cards for Homebound Ho, Ho, Ho! We have it on very good authority that Santa (being a senior himself) hangs out at the NSC very regularly. In fact, he has enlisted the help of the NSC staff to collect his letters from the seniors in Niles who may be unable to go out (to the mall to see him), so that he may send them a card of holiday wishes!! If you are or know of a homebound Niles senior who would like to receive a non-denominational holiday card from the jolly ol’ fat man himself, please call the NSC at 847-588-8420 or stop by to let us know the name and address

of the person. Due to Santa’s busy schedule, we need to the names and addresses received no later than 5 pm Friday, December 7. Annual Holiday Party presented by Men’s Club. Join us at the White Eagle, 6839 Milwaukee, Niles as we kick off the Holiday Season with a spectacular afternoon of dining and entertainment. Lunch will feature a delicious family-style meal followed by the music of the Brighton Park Connection. The afternoon will include both table raffles and door prizes. There is reserved seating for this event so be sure to pick up your table reservation form. Everyone should fill out a form even if you are coming alone. No more than ten people can be seated at a table. Friday, December 7, 11:15am-3:00pm, $30M/$35NM. Dreidel Tournament & Hanukkah Party We’ve added a very special treat this year – live music. The day begins with a rousing dreidel tournament with prizes, followed by a delicious lunch, and wrapping it all up will be the Jeff and Janis Duo, singing your favorite Hanukkah songs as well as some classic and contemporary holiday songs. Tuesday,December 11,10:30am1:30pm, $12M/$17NM. Holiday Brunch Holiday season is in full swing, and we would like you to join us for an exquisite brunch and a special performance by Maureen Christine singing your favorite holiday classics. Monday, December 17, 9:0011:00am, $9M/$12NM. Dinner & a Movie “People Like Us” Starring Christopher Pine, Elizabeth Banks, & Michelle Pfeiffer. While settling his recently deceased father’s estate, a salesman discovers he has a sister whome he never knew about, leading both siblings to re-examine their perceptions about family and life choices. Tuesday, December 18, $2M/$3NM includes hot dog, chips, & dessert. A Noon-Year Celebration Join us as we celebrate the beginning of the New Year with an elegant lunch including salad, chicken parmesan, vesuvio See SENIOR, page 22

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Retire Smart: Financial Thanksgiving By Jill Schlesinger Tribune Media Services

It’s that time of year and in addition to giving thanks for the big stuff - health, loving mate, wonderful family, great country - it’s appropriate to express thanks for some of the positive developments in the financial world. 1. The economy is advancing. While the financial crisis and recession were painful, there has been significant progress in the recovery. Economists Carmen M. Reinhart and Kenneth S. Rogoff, authors of “This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly,” have warned “that recessions associated with systemic banking crises tend to be deep and protracted.” How protracted, you ask? According to Reinhart and Rogoff, it could take 7-10 years to return to the pre-crisis peak, which was reached in Q4 2007. The U.S. economy is five years into the mission, and there are some encouraging signs that this recovery could occur on the lower end of the range. 2. Housing is bottoming. Because the epicenter of the crisis was housing, that sector has been a significant drag on economic growth for nearly 6 years. But the market is showing signs of life: prices have stabilized

and are starting to increase nationally; housing starts are up sharply; new home sales are rising; and existing home inventory is falling.The recovery in housing should start to make a direct impact on the economy via construction of new homes, improvements and alterations, and broker commissions on sales of new and existing homes. Economists also note that as prices start to rise, refinancing and borrowing activity increase, and confidence improves. Taken together, housing could add 0.3 percent to total GDP next year, according to Goldman Sachs. Considering the economy is only growing by an annualized rate of 2 percent, we’ll take what we can get. 3. The jobs market is (slowly) improving.As of October, average monthly job creation this year is 157,000, slightly ahead of the 2011 pace of 153,000, though the jobless rate remains stubbornly high at 7.9 percent. The Great Recession vaporized nearly 9 million jobs, and thus far, the economy has recovered about half of them. With over 12 million Americans out of work, there is no doubt that the labor situation remains dire, but given where we have come from, it’s worth acknowledging the gains. 4. Consumers have learned

painful but valuable lessons. After living through a credit boom and bust, many people have become more responsible about debt management and living within their means. This is the most encouraging development of the financial crisis and has been helped by the advent of much-improved money management tools and smartphone applications, which have helped people better keep track of their financial lives. 5. Consumer advocacy has arrived. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has consolidated most federal consumer financial protection authority in one place in order “to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans.” The CFPB has created a Consumer Complaint Database, a Consumer Response Center and launched

Know Before You Owe for borrowers who are in the shopping phase of the mortgage process. Additionally, the CFPB has begun oversight of the credit reporting industry and, as of next year, will monitor debt-collection companies. 6. Retirement savings getting back on track. During the financial crisis, many Americans put retirement saving on hold, and employers reduced their matching contributions. But that trend has finally reversed and retirement saving is back on the front burner. Fidelity, the nation’s largest 401(k) provider, recently announced that the average 401(k) balance reached $75,900 at the end of the third quarter, the highest it has been since the company began tracking the data more than 12 years ago. Average annual employee contributions grew 7.3 percent over the past

five years to $5,900 at the end of the third quarter, up from $5,500 ending the third quarter 2007. Meanwhile, average annual employer matching contributions have increased 19 percent since the third quarter 2007. Clearly, there is still a long way to go before the economy is on firmer footing. But given the depth of the recession and financial crisis, we should be thankful that we are moving in the right direction. (Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is the Editorat-Large for www.CBSMoneyWatch. com. She covers the economy, markets, investing or anything else with a dollar sign on her podcast and blog, Jill on Money, as well as on television and radio. She welcomes comments and questions at askjill@moneywatch. com.)

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SENIOR Continued from page 20 potatoes, steamed vegetables and dessert. Entertainment will be followed by Chicago’s own Peter Oprisko, and his 4 piece band, a premiere interpreter of treasured traditional adult Pop, Jass, and Tin Pan Alley standards. We will end the afternoon with a traditional New Years champagne toast. Thursday, January 3, 12:002:30pm $15M/$20NM. Charlie Brown and the Great Exhibit Trip At the Museum of Science and Industry. It’s the Great Exhibit, Charlie Brown! Explore the history of Charlie Brown and Charles Schulz. See Schultz’s role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind Peanuts and its unique cast of characters. Through original cartoons, as well as reproductions and related Peanuts ephemera, you will see how characters were developed and how they evolved over decades in print and popular culture. Schulz’s Santa Rosa, CA. studio, recreated for the first time, will allow for a deeper look into his work and life. In addition, with cartoons and memorabilia, the exhibit will explore Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day, during which these characters

became known so well. At the Center, we will enjoy lunch featuring a half slab of ribs, baked potato, coleslaw, and dessert. $50M/$55NM. Thursday, January 24, 2013 10:30am-4:00pm. Got the Dot? – It Could Save Your Life! Assist first responders with the information they need. Become part of the Illinois Dot Program. The Illinois Dot Program is a statewide initiative designed to provide vital medical information on vehicle drivers and passengers. Information contained on the medical card can assist first responders in the“Golden Hour” immediately following a serious crash. This can very well mean the difference between life and death. For more information, please contact the Niles Senior Center (847 588-8420).

North Shore Senior Center North Shore Senior Center’s Morton Grove Campus North Shore Senior Center offers programs, classes, activities, and travel opportunities for adults at the American Legion Memorial Civic Center at 6140 Dempster Street. You may register for all programs at the Center or call 847-470-5223. Understanding Your Energy Purchasing Choices Tuesday, December 11, from 2:00 – 3 p.m. Energy companies are aggressively marketing their discount programs, and some municipalities have energy buying programs on their ballots. Are you trying to figure out if these programs are really a good deal? Representatives from the Citizens Utility Board will be here Tuesday, December

11 from 2 – 3 p.m. to explain your energy purchasing choices in this presentation. You will learn: • Who are these “new” energy suppliers? • Are these suppliers a good deal? • What is green energy? • How else can I save on my energy bill? To register for this free program, or seek additional information, call 847.470.5223 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holiday Bash! Thursday, December 13, 2012 from 1- 3 p.m. The big celebration of the season! At our annual party you’ll enjoy the festive music of North Shore Senior Center’s very own Senior Stompers & tasty holiday treats. Fees are $5 members; $7 non-members. To register for this free program, or seek additional information, call 847.470.5223 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This program sponsored by Sienna Home Care. Name The Tune, Guess That Singer! Monday, December 17 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jim Kendros returnsMonday, December 17 from 1- 2:30 to highlight his favorite game: Name that Tune and Guess That Singer! You might be surprised at how much you know. From the lyrics and the melodies to the style of each singer, you are sure to be pleased and thrilled by this musical treat-guaranteed! Fees are $7 member; $9 non-member. To register for this program, or seek additional information, call 847.470.5223 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oliver at Light Opera Works Friday, December 21, 2013 from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. Ring in the holidays with this rousing musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist. The Artful Dodger, Fagin, Nancy and Oliver himself will whisk you away to 1800s London with song and dance, and a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A timeless tale of the search for love, family and home, accompanied by a score filled with charm and emotion. Come hear songs including “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “Where is Love? “and many more favorites.. Fees

are $39 member; $49 nonmember and Include ticket to this final dress rehearsal and transportation. To register for this program, or seek additional information, call 847.470.5223 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch & Bingo! Wednesdays, from 10 a.m to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy an exciting game of Bingo, a tasty lunch and great company! Every Wednesday, Bingo begins at 10:30 am followed at 11:30am by lunch catered by a different local restaurant each week. Come early for coffee and conversation! Registration required (so we can order your food). Fee includes lunch. Bingo cards $.50 each. Watch the bulletin board for the menu! Please note, no Lunch and Bingo on November 21. To register for this program, or seek additional information, call 847.470.5223 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteer Drivers Needed! North Shore Senior Center’s Escorted Transportation Service (ETS) relies on volunteers to provide rides for ambulatory seniors to/from medical and dental appointments. Volunteer drivers use their own cars and have great flexibility; they can accept or decline any request for transportation. To learn more about this important and rewarding role, please contact Maura Rogan, Director of Volunteer Services and Community Engagement, at 847.784.6052 or mrogan@nssc. org. Tell your Life Stories! North Shore Senior Center’s Life Stories is an oral history program in which you tell and record stories from your life. During two meetings with a trained volunteer interviewer, ideally in the comfort of your own home, you identify themes and events you want to cover and then share and record them in a conversational interview. The recorded interview is one hour in length and is transferred to CDs for you to keep and/or share. A Life Stories interview makes a wonderful gift to give or receive! Fee: $40 North Shore Senior Center members; $50 others. To learn more, call 847.784.6085. Senior Center Membership Become a member of North Shore Senior Center’s

Morton Grove Campus and enjoy opportunities to live longer, happier, healthier lives through an array of programs, activities, trips and services. Members receive a discount on all programs, activities, and trips, Lifelong Learning Program Catalog, information on local, state, and federal issues affecting seniors, and invitations to special events and presentations. Membership dues are $20 for an individual and $35 for a couple/household for a full year. Everyone welcome! Call North Shore Senior Center’s Morton Grove Campus at 847-470-5223 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or stop by the Senior Center, 6140 Dempster Street in Morton Grove, to become a member.

Park Ridge Senior Center If bridge is of interest there are several opportunities to enjoy the game. Groups meet on Friday mornings, Sunday afternoons, and Couple’s Bridge meets the first Thursday of the month. Call the Center at 847692-3597 for more information or to be put in tough with one of the group moderators. Membership dues for the 2012-2013 year are being accepted. The dues are: single - $45 resident/$63 non-resident and a Couple (must reside in the same household) $68 resident/$97 non-resident. And attention to current members … bring in a new member and receive a $5 gift card !!!! Ask the front desk for more details. Jo Buck continues her exercise classes at 9 am and 10:30 am Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This class covers a variety of movements including stretching, strength training and floor exercise. Give it a try!!! The first class is free. After that it is $2 each time you come Following are number of ongoing activities at the Center: Woodcarvers meet Thursdays at 9am…a FREE activity: Gamers, 1-4:30pm on Fridays play dominos, hand and foot, scrabble for rummikube … also FREE. Ceramics students meet See SENIOR, page 23

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SENIOR

a role in headache and migraine solutions.

Continued from page 22

Then at 11am on Thursday, December 6, The Health Care Forum will bring health education to the community. Topics will address a variety of health issues, Medicare scams, new Medicaid changes, health screenings, how to prepare for your next doctor’s appointment, brain health and ideas on how to navigate through the health care process.

Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30am to noon and work on projects of their choice. There is a charge of only $7 per class. Pinochle players meet the second Monday, Third Thursday and every Saturday of the month at 1pm. Table tennis players start play at 1pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. All abilities are welcome for this free activity. Bocce ball players gather just north of the Center at 10am Wednesday mornings. Ken Hewelt is bocce master and can explain how the game is played. Two free seminars for planned in December. At 2pm on Tuesday, December 4, Dr, Sean Finnegan will present a 30-minute seminar on Natural Solutions to Headache Pain. Research has shown that headaches generate 80 million doctor visits, over $50 billion in medical bills and $4 billion in over-the-counter medications. In this seminar learn the common causes of headaches;, alternative solutions to headaches and migraines, the different types of headaches and how Chiropractics can play

A Holiday Lights Trolley Tour takes place from 6:30-8:30pm on Thursday, December 6. The tour kicks off the holiday season with an entertaining two hour narrated tour aboard a famous Chicago Trolley. The festive lights and enchanting sights of wintertime in Chicago, the Magnificent Mile, State Street and Macy’ Holiday Windows, Daley Plaza and the 40-foot tree, Buckingham Fountain and Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest are all included. Special stops will be made at the Christkinglmarket and the Hershey Chocolate Store. The cost is $28 for members and $35 for nonmembers so register quickly. The holiday parties at the Park Ridge Senior Center

have been scheduled already. The Center’s annual holiday party is scheduled to begin at 12:30 pm on Friday, December 7. This year the party will be held at the Snuggery in Edison Park, 6733 N. Olmstead, Chicago. The menu includes bruschetta, breadsticks with garlic butter, Caesar salad, penne with marinara, chicken limone, and Italian sausage and roasted peppers. There will be a raffle and the winner of the handmade quilt will be made. Cost is $28 for members and $35 for non-members. There will be a very special guest you will not want to miss.

be provided by Inglenook. Entertainment will include the Chorus and the Uketones. Members would pay only $15 and non-members $17.

Holiday High Tea at the Drake takes place from 12-30-3:30 on Monday, December 10. This will be a really diffeent way of bringing in the holidays. Enjoy this one-of-a-kind unforgetable afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, fruit breads, scones and light hors d’oeuvres. The cost is $86 for members and $98 for non-members and includes transportation, admission and tea. Please register as soon as possible.

The Women’s Club Holiday Party starts at 12:30 on Wednesday, December 12 at Chambers Seafood Grill & Chop House in Niles. The menu is your choice of ribs and shrimp

The Men’s Club holiday party takes place beginning at 12:30pm on Tuesday, December 11. A delicious lunch will

The regular monthly luncheon will be Monday, December 17. Doors open at 12:30pm. The luncheon menu consists of herb roasted chicken, rice pilaf, tossed salad and dessert. Entertainment will be provided by a premiere interpreter of treasured traditional adult pop, jazz, and holiday classics, Chicago-based Peter Oprisko. Cost to members will be $16 and $20 for non-members.

or chicken marsala. Heather Braoudakis will entertain with wonderful classics like White Christmas, Silent Night, Winter Wonderland and more. Members pay $25 and nonmembers$30. Bingo and Lunch begins at 12:30 on Wednesday, December 19 at a cost of only $7 for members and $9 for nonmembers. All on the Road will cater lunch and there will also be prizes. Have you ever thought of tap dancing!!! This is a fun way of exercising. The class is at 12:30 Tuesdays with a fee of $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

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